Disability - The Facts
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The disabled face inequality on many fronts as shown in UK disability statistics: Prevalence and life experiences. Take a look at other truths below:
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The latest government statistics on the extent of disability in the UK: Almost one in four people were classified as disabled, and there has been an increase of 3.9 million over the last 10 years.
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“Hunger in the UK”, a Trussell Trust report states that 75% of people referred to food banks in their network say that they, or a member of their household, are disabled (see points 5 and 6 below about inequalities and the Disabililty Price Tag)
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EHRC update report to UN says 7 years later the government still failing the disabled: The latest commentary from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, reported by the BBC here in August 2023, assessed the extent to which UN recommendations made in 2016 (entitled “Being disabled in Britain – A journey less equal”) have been implemented.
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It said, despite limited progress in certain areas, “we are disappointed to see no progress against some other recommendations”.
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They found there had been no progress in monitoring the impact of welfare reforms or access to justice for disabled people.
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It said there continued to be a disproportionate number of disabled people living on low incomes or in poverty with some facing long waits for decisions on eligibility for benefits. This is something badly affecting DAS clients on a daily basis and the delays have lengthened on PIP applications to over six months.
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Massive gap in income causing further deprivation for the disabled: Research from the Resolution Foundation reported by the Guardian in January 2023 highlighted “massive income gaps amid the cost of living squeeze” causing a disproportionate impact on the disabled as they struggle to heat their homes and cut back on food during the winter.
People with disabilities have an available amount to spend 44% lower than that of other working-age adults, exposing them hugely to the rising cost of essentials.
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According to Scope, "For 2024 to 2025, disabled households need on average, an additional £1,095 a month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households. This is 8% higher than our previous Disability Price Tag. By 2029 to 2030 financial year the price tag will be £1,224 per month". Read more.
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The Disability Employment Gap: According to the DWP "There were 5.5 million disabled people in employment in the UK in Q2 2025 and the disability employment rate was 52.8%, compared to 82.5% for non-disabled people...The disability employment gap was 29.7 percentage points in Q2 2025." Read more
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The DWP claims that more disabled people can, and should, be in work because of the increased availability of homeworking since the pandemic. However, the CIPD's July 2025 report 'Flexible and hybrid working practices in 2025' shows that, although the vast majority of organisations (91%) offer some kind of flexible arrangement, hybrid working is the most common form: 74% of organisations have hybrid working in place. This has reduced slightly from 84% reported in a similar CIPD survey in 2023 and 77% in 2022. Read more
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DWP audit data continues to show that private contractors carrying out PIP and Work Capability Assessments produce more “unacceptable” reports than permitted under their contracts. Quality targets require fewer than 3% of reports to fail, yet audits in recent years show providers repeatedly breaching this threshold.
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​Disabled people face higher unavoidable costs for heating, equipment, travel and essential care. Scope’s latest research shows disabled households need, on average, £1,095 more per month to achieve the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
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The DWP has repeatedly admitted making large numbers of incorrect PIP decisions. High overturn rates at Mandatory Reconsideration and Tribunal show ongoing flaws in decision-making that continue to affect disabled people’s income and wellbeing.
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Homelessness among disabled people remains a serious concern. National research shows that disabled people face significantly higher risks of homelessness, often due to a lack of accessible accommodation and reduced local support services.
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Once the extra costs of disability are accounted for, around half of all people in poverty live in a household with a disabled person. Disability remains closely linked with worklessness and child poverty.
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Parliamentary evidence and coroners’ reports highlight a strong link between benefit-related stress, financial hardship, and increased suicide risk. Some suicides have been directly connected to incorrect benefit decisions or reassessments.
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Since 2013, hundreds of millions of pounds have been spent on appeals where disabled people successfully challenge incorrect benefit decisions. Tribunal success rates remain high, showing systemic failings and poor value for taxpayers.
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A suppressed DWP report revealed that many benefit claimants are unable to meet basic day-to-day needs such as food and heating. Media investigations confirmed that disabled people are among the hardest hit.
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Research from SafeLives shows that disabled people are more than twice as likely to experience domestic abuse as non-disabled victims, and often endure more severe and long-lasting harm.
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The Indices of Deprivation 2019 show that many rural areas in East Suffolk experience higher levels of disadvantage, including barriers to transport, employment and access to services — issues that disproportionately affect disabled people and carers.
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The Social Model explains how people are disabled by societal barriers, not by their impairments. Understanding this alongside the Medical Model helps challenge stigma and promote equality and inclusion.
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The (Uncomfortable) Truth
About Disability
20 Facts about disability: